Synopsis: Once cyber-technology becomes a key variable in the defence policies of a nation, land size or GDP size are irrelevant. Introduction In the 21st century, the world is moving to cyber weapons-based warfare. Therefore, after cyber-technology enters as an important variable in nations’ defence policies, the size of a country will cease to matter.… Continue reading The outlines of a national security policy
Author: Ram Manohar
Towards zero hunger
Synopsis: Food programmes must focus on nutrition Introduction The Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2021 places India at a lowly 101st position among 116 countries, below many of its smaller neighbors like Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. The Global Food Security Index (FSI) 2021 puts it in a marginally better position. It ranks India 71st among 113… Continue reading Towards zero hunger
Reform fuel pricing
Synopsis: Govt must follow a transparent fuel pricing mechanism. Introduction The government’s approval of the full privatisation of Air India has raised expectations that the disinvestment of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) may be carried out effectively and as planned before the end of this financial year Yet there are broader questions about the management… Continue reading Reform fuel pricing
What is PLI for?
Synopsis: The Production-Linked Incentive scheme must drive learning to compete, not manufacture. Introduction The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has arose fresh interest in investing in domestic manufacturing. The scheme goes together with tariffs, on the finished product and often on the components involved. For example, Mobile phones have over the last three years been subject… Continue reading What is PLI for?
India’s race to secure Lithium – Opportunities and Challenges: Explained, pointwise
For 7PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Introduction First traces of Lithium in India were discovered in Karnataka’s Mandya district recently. The preliminary find is relatively small: a mere 1,600 tonnes of lithium deposits. Chile, on the other hand, has an estimated reserves of 9.2 million tonnes. If oil powered the world in the 20th century, Lithium could… Continue reading India’s race to secure Lithium – Opportunities and Challenges: Explained, pointwise
Changing economic order
Synopsis: In the absence of a focused approach to exports in the changing global environment, longer-term growth prospects are bound to suffer. Introduction India is on track to attain the $400-billion export target this fiscal year. Exports jumped to $33.44 billion in September, registering 21.35% year-on-year growth. India is clearly benefiting from a stronger-than- expected… Continue reading Changing economic order
India must keep the momentum of Air India’s privatization going
Synopsis: Adopting policies that boost the market valuations of state-run companies will help government to keep the disinvestment momentum. Introduction After the successful disinvestment in Air India, many want the government to build on this and carry out more strategic disinvestment, i.e., sell more government companies, to the private sector. But that is a very… Continue reading India must keep the momentum of Air India’s privatization going
Devastation in coasts and hills underlines ecological fragility, calls for revisiting development paradigms
Synopsis: Whether in the Western Ghats or the Himalayas, there are pressing reasons for states to rethink development paradigms. Introduction This monsoon season has given ample evidence of extreme weather events. For instance, In July, a fortnight of torrential rain left a trail of destruction in the mountains of north India and the coastal parts… Continue reading Devastation in coasts and hills underlines ecological fragility, calls for revisiting development paradigms
Expanding forest cover: On proposed amendments to Forest Act
Synopsis: Proposed legal amendments to the Indian Forest Act are in the right direction. Introduction The environment ministry recently initiated the process to amend the existing forest legislation. It has been now put up in the public domain recently to invite stakeholders’ and state governments’ response. Why was there a need to amend the Indian… Continue reading Expanding forest cover: On proposed amendments to Forest Act
A new global economic consensus
Synopsis: Cornwall Consensus should replace the Washington Consensus. Introduction The world is now facing a future of unprecedented risk, uncertainty, turmoil, and climate breakdown. In this context, a report released recently by the G7 Economic Resilience Panel demands a radically different relationship between the public and private sectors to create a sustainable, equitable, and resilient… Continue reading A new global economic consensus
